“David Lyle Foundation Scholarship – Congratulations!” read the subject line of the email as I sat
on my wobbly kitchen chair. Despite seeing the word “congratulations,” my heart skipped a few
beats. Was this real? Were they sure? Was a second email coming to say, “Sorry, actually…”? I
couldn’t help but think of the Moonlight/La La Land mix-up. After a short walk to steady my wobble
and some correspondence with Cheryl at the foundation, it was confirmed: it was real, and there
was no mistake. Reflecting on my unconventional journey into the creative space, it felt like a
moment of alchemy.
I have forged my path with a blend of childlike passion, a good deal of naiveté (which in turn
fostered a certain fearlessness), copious amounts persistence (or delusion?) and very little on
guidance. This recipe allowed me to explore, dive into the deep end, innovate, and engage in the
industry from a unique perspective. However, I also often felt like an outsider, battled imposter
syndrome, stumbled over blind spots, and was completely unaware of many opportunities because
you don’t know what you don’t know. Navigating the industry’s labyrinthine corridors from my
position was no easy feat.
The David Lyle Foundation scholarship has helped me connect dots – both externally and
internally. As well as the confidence and clarity it bolsters, I am now developing a deeper
understanding of the landscape, my role within it, and how I can meaningfully contribute to it.
The recognition from this scholarship has been testament to the idea that, despite moments of
confusion and uncertainty, dedication and hard work are worthwhile and can still lead to meaningful
outcomes. It demonstrated to me that even when facing challenges, it is still possible to be on the
right track. These affirmations will remain with me well beyond this opportunity.
I am excited about the chance to learn from industry leaders and peers I might not have met otherwise. The mentorship and community will be transformative for my personal and professional growth.
The UK TV industry is renowned for producing high-quality content that has garnered both
domestic and global acclaim. Production standards are high, content offerings are wide ranging
and there is a wealth of talent – from the emergent to the well established, the employed to those
seeking employment, the independent to the in-house. Some of my favourite and some of the most
compelling crime dramas hail from the UK. Nevertheless, it is no hidden news that the industry is
currently facing significant challenges: funding cuts, changing audiences habits, streaming
service / social media / online content competition, global change and the emergence of AI
technology.
Though times feel uncertain, I find this moment to be both an exciting and pivotal
moment brimming with potential for a new era of storytelling. I sometimes ponder that perhaps now
is the time to create space to stumble, to embrace different risks, to broaden perspectives, to
experiment, and to connect more meaningfully with audiences. Perhaps it is a time to put the
issues of the previous era at the forefront – leveraging the new, enhancing diversity and even
broadening the idea and nuance of what that diversity means.
Perhaps this is a moment for evolution and an opportunity to find new ways of ‘engaging the machinery of the process’. Television is a powerful medium with the ability to shape and/or widen perspectives, ignite imagination, and create community. It offers a platform for escapism and respite and also for
conversation that can lead to a better understanding of our complex, yet wonderful, world. I have
been feeling that perhaps this is a moment to move away from talking about disenfranchisement
and towards creating a more sustainable eco-system for all who have been historically and
systemically disenfranchised.
I am certain my thoughts and ideas will evolve as I learn and encounter different people through
the scholarship – but I do hope to be a part of meaningful change during an important moment. I
am not sure what that looks like yet but I am set to find out. Here we go!
